Virtual teams, eLearning and developing coaches : a work in progress

The purpose of this paper is to show how research on virtual teams can provide useful guidance for developing and delivering a part-time postgraduate coaching course. Much of the student coaches’ learning takes place outside the classroom and it is therefore important to put in place resources and activities which can facilitate on-going learning and application of learning. The results of student surveys are analysed to explore student satisfaction with relevant aspects of the course. Student experiences with an online coaching assignment are reviewed and insights shared. While both online coaching and online learning lack key features of a face to face coaching or learning interaction, the online environment also offers some unanticipated benefits. The necessity for educators to listen to their students in order to continuously improve their courses is also highlighted.